LAS VEGASBelkin today expanded its lineup of home automation tools with the WeMo Light Switch, a dedicated switch that will let you control your home's lights from afar.

Belkin said it will also release an Android version of its WeMo product by mid-2013.

The WeMo Light Switch is an Internet-connected switch that be controlled via a smartphone or tablet app. It will replace existing light switches and connect to a home's electrical wiring. Once installed, however, homeowners can turn one or many lights on or off on a whim, set up a schedule for when lights should turn on, or just mess with people living in the house.

The WeMo Light Switch will be controlled by the same app that handles the previously released WeMo Switch and Motion products. So, if you have all of Belkin's home automation tools, you can control them from one app.

The WeMo Light Switch is scheduled for release in summer 2013. Initially, it will work with any Wi-Fi router and gadget running iOS 5 or higher.

Belkin expects to release a version that runs on Android 4.0 and above "shortly after launch." In February, it will kick off an open beta test of the service for those who have the Samsung Galaxy S III and other "leading" devices.

"As the market share for Android continues to grow and more consumers demand it, expanding WeMo capabilities to Android devices is a necessary step for the continued success and evolution of the WeMo brand," Belkin said.

In other Belkin news, the company today took the wraps off the Belkin Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater, which is a speaker dock system for the iPad.

"The iPad is known for its brilliant, high-definition display that enhances the video quality of your favorite movies, shows and video games, but the audio quality sometimes doesn't match the visual experience," said Nate Kraft, director of product management at Belkin. "With the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater we are looking to provide the immersive, powerful audio experience missing in the iPad, so you can listen to your content the way it was meant to be heard."

About the Author

Before joining PCMag.com, Chloe covered financial IT for Incisive Media in NYC and technology policy for The National Journal's Technology Daily in Washington, DC. She has held internships at NBC's Meet the Press, washingtonpost.com, the Tate Gallery press office in London, Roll Call, and Congressional Quarterly. She graduated with a bachelor's deg... See Full Bio

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